I ride a Polaris Sportsman H.O. with a long duration cam, K&N, gonna try the Mikuni 42mm flatslide carb....need more power,less weight, but love the suspension and ground clearance of the Sportsman and the Independent Suspension.
I think the Raptor Kicks, but it won't go where I go 'cause it has no ground clearance, okay, 4 inches. There are 3 raptors out here and they don't leave the parking area where we ride.
They just can't face 12" boulders every few feet.
There are no tight woods here either, and the wide stance of the Polaris is a huge advantage.
So how about the +1+2 A-arms and the new Grizz Independent rear suspension on a Raptor?
Bigger tires and wheels, a scrambles or desert racer version of the Raptor? I'll take one!
Unless Polaris comes out with a new rumored 700cc
Scrambler with I.R.S. It's just the only way to go, once you've had I.R.S. you just can't go back to those stupid solid axles.....
Silly later,,Fourlix

 

I like my solid axle! Atleast my kodiak isnt obese like that fat sportsman of yours.

 

Now that's the spirit, tear into the guy!

Fourlix: We've butted heads on this IRS thing before, you're quite adamant about it! While I like the predictability of my stupid solid axle in the corners, the added ground clearance and articulation of IRS would be handy in the bolder infested trails you detailed. That would make an interesting machine indeed.